When we are focused on stopping a particular sin, do you think we are still in the enemy's camp? Instead of focusing on what we shouldn't do, wouldn't it be better to focus on what we should do? Shouldn't our focus be elsewhere?
If I'm driving and something off the road catches my attention, I tend to swerve that way without realizing it.
I don't think we're necessarily in the enemy's camp by focusing on what we want to stop, but it isn't always a very good way to accomplish the goal. We tend to veer toward what we think about, even if we know where the road is.
When we are focused on stopping a particular sin, do you think we are still in the enemy's camp?
*** It would depend on how focused ya are it�if its obsessive then ya could be in the grip of the enemy�s camp�Ifin its recognizing & acknowledging the Sin then that gives way to change�to not do it�
Instead of focusing on what we shouldn't do, wouldn't it be better to focus on what we should do? Shouldn't our focus be elsewhere?
*** Absolutely�example�a Thief�repents�GOD wont stop him/her from doing it again�once the thief understands the nature of the Sin & is Truly willing to change�the change will happen when the thief doesn�t do it (steal) an does something else that�s better�like returning the stolen goods�admitting the error�which is a Truth�or�a Habitual Liar�repents...GOD isn�t gona stop ya from Lian�but once a Liar understands the nature of the Sin & Truly wants to change then the Liar does something else�like admits he/she Lied�which is a Truth an thus begins the Focus else where�on Christ Jesus*� xo
Hebrews 12:1-2 - �Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down on the right hand of the throne of God�
With this analogy of a race, I believe our focus should be on Christ and His example.
There are several neat words in this passage:
The transliteration of the word �encumbrance� or �weight� in the King James Version is �onkos� - which means �a swelling or mass�. Back in the day, Roman runners used to run in their �Olympics� and wore lightweight clothes. They shed every bit of weight so they could run unrestricted. They trained strenuously and changed everything in their life � diet, exercise, sleep, etc. all to win the prize at the end. Basically, this passage is saying �Let�s lay aside everything that bogs us down� in the path we are given.
What�s more, the writer uses the Greek word �Euperistatos� to describe entanglement in this text. It�s a very interesting word. It means �easily encircling, having advantage in favor of its prevailing� it connotes the graphic idea of something capturing and honing in on something else. Sounds like an awful trap. In fact, the text tells it EASILY entangles us.
What keeps us going? It is hope. The Greek word for endurance is �hupomone�, which means, according to The Word Study New Testament (P. 964) a hopeful consistency �to things or circumstances�Hupomone is associated with hope and refers to the quality that does not surrender to circumstances or succumbs under trial.�
What do you suppose keeps a marathon runner determined to finish in spite of the pain in his body? It is the knowledge that there is a finish line and the rewards that it brings.
James 1:2-3 states, �My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.�
But we have a clear example that this can be done, and the text tells us where to focus.
��looking to Jesus, the author and perfector of faith��
Obedience to Christ will keep us aware of the weights and sin we carry, and we continue to endure hardship by keeping our focus on Him.
�Not that I have already attained (Christlikeness), or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but on thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize for the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.� (Phil. 3:12 ).
Hebrews 4:14-16 says, �Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed thorough the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.�
So according to this passage, we don't focus on the sin. We are aware of it, but we cast it off and focus on the One who has blazed the trail before us.
Wow, Margo that was excellent! Talk about hitting the nail on the head, complete with scripture references!
On a side note...I was quoting this scripture yesterday to a horse I'm starting, it is a 3 year old, but is still acting like a yearling (baby stuff) because the owner has allowed it to.
Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize for the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.� (Phil. 3:12 ).
YEP I AM WELL AWARE OF THAT AND YOU PONDER IT AND THEN DO A WORD SEARCH ON LUST AND YOU MIGHT STUMBLE ON TO SOMETHING, THEN YOU WILL HAVE TO KNOW WHO YOU ARE.
